Cape Town’s year as World Design Capital is drawing to a close and soon we will pass the baton to Taipei who will be holding the title in 2016. Beyond the calendar, World Design Capital is not just about events and happenings. In fact, it is the beginning of something new and exciting for all of us.

Looking back at the changes 20 years of democracy have brought this city, it has become apparent that tourism has played a pivotal role not only in developing jobs and skills but also in fulfilling our potential as an exciting cultural hub: a city intent on redesigning itself to overcome a devastating legacy.

Seasonality has long been a thorn in the side of Cape Town’s hospitality sector. The impact of empty guest houses and unbooked tours is far reaching, hitting not only the pockets of business owners and those employed by the business, but also affecting the satellite businesses that depend on vibrant visitor numbers.

We have a new addition to our family! In an exciting first for Cape Town (as well as a first on the African continent), Cape Town Tourism has launched a mobile information centre that will be meeting visitors and locals where ever they are.

Twenty years ago, I was legally allowed to vote for the first time. It is encouraging that today the idea that I was once forbidden seems so inconceivable as to be ridiculous, but I would like to pause and reflect for a moment.

Back then the only visitors to Cape Town were the ‘Vaalies’, and whilst we still welcome the regular return of our Gauteng visitors, a growing kaleidoscope of visitors from across the world are streaming into our city.

The peak season is starting to subside. We are beginning to look forward to a more mellow and measured season of events and national holidays over the next few months. These ‘breathing’ months are critical to any business as a time for analysis and planning for the next busy season.

It’s been a better summer season for many of us compared to last year. The city is humming with visitors. The bars, restaurants, attractions and malls doing brisk trade as people from across the world (and our own country) discover destination Cape Town. Whilst many of these visitors had been planning their holidays ahead of the currency bonanza, it is clear that many travellers are choosing Cape Town because their money means much more here this season.